KEITH C. SMITH
1924-2000
My relationship with Keith was a special one and went further than teacher/student. He not only taught me a lot about art and painting...but also a lot about life and living. Keith really knew how to live!
Keith was great at giving critiques of my paintings. I have letter after letter full of information on painting and on how to improve my work. Through the years, I sent him photos of my paintings and he would quickly respond and give me his honest suggestions...there seemed to always be some way to improve upon each one. It was great hearing his advice, which he gave with much love and not only told me what was incorrect with each painting, but also explained how I succeeded in other areas. After a few years, I mentioned to my Mom that one of the goals of my career is going to be the day I send one of my paintings to Keith and he has absolutely no critiques of it! I still had so much to learn (and still do...one could never possibly learn all there is about art) that I wondered if that would ever happen. In the back of my mind, the thought was always there. That day FINALLY arrived! The phone rang and Keith had received the photo of my painting called "Lake O'hara". He not only had nothing to critique about that painting, but he also gave me the best compliment he possibly could have...he said "I would be proud to sign my own name to that painting!" Wow!!!!! I was flying high for days! I couldn't believe it, I had finally done him proud!
A lot of my favorite memories of Keith are not art related though...he had such a sense of humour and a zest for life. I am a big Bryan Adams fan and while I was attending Keith's workshop in Qualicum, Bryan Adams released his cd called "18 Til I Die". So after a great day of painting we went back to Keith's house and we sat there in his living room and Keith (who, I believe, was 71 years old at the time) put the new cd into his stereo (which had huge speakers) and he totally cranked up this rock music. Keith loved it and after that day he would always say to me "18 Til I Die" great song, great song!". Keith lived his life like he was 18 forever!
It seemed every time I would phone him, he'd either be out riding his bike, out on his boat, or painting. Not a bad life when you're in your 70's...when all the other people his age were retired and out walking their poodles!!! (He commented on this in one of his letters...he would sit in his studio painting, watching all the gray haired people out strolling with their dogs, having nothing better to do and yet he was in the most productive time of his life!). Oh yes, Keith taught me many valuable lessons about living and having no regrets! When Keith passed away, he had no regrets and was grateful for his wonderful, full life with his great family and his art. So, I too feel the same way about my life and try to live everyday to the fullest! As artists, we are truly blessed to be able to do what we love each and every day. Thank you Keith! I love you and miss you!
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